There’s a lot of speculation when it comes to acne. From avoiding junk food to prevent it from stirring up to lying out in the sun to make it go away, the myths are never ending. And since it’s a disease, there are no cure-alls. But before grabbing your tube of toothpaste and applying it as a spot treatment the next time a pimple pops up, check out these 10 common acne myths debunked. You’ll be surprised!

Tanning Will Clear Up Acne

While a tan may temporarily disguise redness from acne, it will not eliminate it and clear up your skin. In fact, it will actually cause further damage. Aside from the risk of skin cancer due to harmful UV rays, sunbathing will also dry out your skin — leading to even more acne. Remember that all coloring (a tan or redness) is considered sun damage, so it’s important to use a good SPF product when out in the sun.

Acne Only Happens in Your Teens

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Acne usually begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults, but can occur at any stage of life.” While it often begins during hormonal stages during teenage years, adult acne can pop up at any given time. Regardless of whether it occurs in your teenage or adult years, it’s treated the same exact way.

Acne Is Curable

Acne is an inherited disease of the pore and there is no cure to date. You’re either prone to acne or you’re not. It can be managed with the proper use of products and treatments, though. Remember to take acne seriously, as it is often accompanied by psychological symptoms that affect the lives of many people.

Junk Food Causes Acne

Eating foods like pizza, chocolate and french fries will not cause acne to pop up. Studies have shown, however, that foods high in sugar can make existing acne worse. In other words, if you’re craving a cupcake, don’t hold back. But if your skin is super irritated, it may be best to stick to something healthier to prevent it from getting worse.

Toothpaste Is a Good Spot Treatment

Toothpaste doesn’t contain any known ingredients that help clear up acne. While, yes, it is possible it may randomly work for you, it’s not something you should do. Most toothpaste formulas contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which will clog pores and aggravate acne. It’s not worth the risk, if you ask us, and there are tons of affordable spot treatment products on the market these days.

People with Acne Shouldn’t Wear Makeup

While heavy makeup foundations may make your acne situation worse off, you don’t have to stop wearing it completely. Mineral makeup is a great option as it’s lighter and not chock-full of chemicals, so it won’t clog pores as much.

Popping Pimples Helps Them Go Away Faster

Popping pesky pimples may seem like an easy solution to make them go away, but it will cause more trouble in the long run. By squeezing them, you’ll actually risk pushing bacteria, oil and dead skin cells further into your skin, which could lead to redness, swelling and even scarring. So before you pop for temporary relief, think about the long-term effects. A pimple may last a few days, while a scar or mark will last forever.

Washing Your Face Often Will Prevent Breakouts

Excessively washing your face isn’t going to make your acne go away. Washing more than twice daily can actually strip your skin of the good oils it needs, which can lead to breakouts. Instead, opt for a mild cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help reduce and prevent breakouts.

Sweating Causes Acne

Sweating does not cause acne on its own. But if you happen to leave the gym and linger around in sweaty workout gear, sweat and dirt could irritate existing acne. Be sure to cleanse your face and body as soon as possible and choose garments that will wick moisture away from the body while working out.

Products Must Sting to Work

While you do need something a bit stronger to keep acne at bay, it doesn’t have to sting to get the job done. And if so, it’s most likely wreaking havoc on your skin and can lead to irritation and redness. If you do find that your treatment is tingling, stop use immediately and speak with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to help you find a product that’s just right for your skin type and acne.